Commuter Ferry Will Operate At Least Two More Weeks

The commuter ferry transporting residents between Southern Indiana and Louisville will shut down soon if more riders don’t take advantage of the $1 rides.

The 300 passenger steamboat will operate as a ferry for at least two more weeks, said Linda Harris, CEO of the Spirit of Jefferson. At that point, Harris will decide whether to continue the service. She expects to make her decision after the Sherman Minton Bridge is fully inspected, she said.

“It’ll be announced this weekend about how long it might take to get that bridge open and then we will make our decisions from there. But we need consistency in what we’re doing, for people to get down there and get on it. If we can get ridership up we can continue it, otherwise it’s not a money making venture by any means,” Harris said.

Many afternoon riders aren’t regular commuters and just want to enjoy being on the Ohio River, she said. The steamboat makes an average $200 a day from riders, but it cost $700 to run the ferry.

Mayor Greg Fischer announced the Spirit of Jefferson will likely shut down after Oct. 14 unless more riders take advantage of the service.